Lionel Andrés Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has had an illustrious career spanning over two decades. From his early days in Argentina to becoming a global icon with FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami, Messi has consistently amazed football fans with his extraordinary talent. His success on and off the pitch has made him one of the wealthiest and most influential athletes in the world.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi displayed exceptional football skills from a young age. At just 13, he moved to Spain to join FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, after the club offered to pay for his growth hormone treatment. His rapid development saw him rise through the ranks, making his first-team debut at 16 in a friendly match in 2003.
Professional Career and Clubs
FC Barcelona (2004–2021)
Messi’s professional debut for Barcelona came in 2004, and he quickly became a key player. Over 17 seasons, he won:
- 10 La Liga titles
- 7 Copa del Rey titles
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles
- 8 Spanish Super Cups
Messi set numerous records, becoming Barcelona’s all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances. His partnership with players like Xavi, Iniesta, and later Neymar and Suárez led Barcelona to domestic and international dominance.
Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023)
In August 2021, due to Barcelona’s financial troubles, Messi left the club and signed with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). In his two seasons in France, he won two Ligue 1 titles but struggled to replicate his Barcelona form. Despite this, he played a crucial role in PSG’s domestic success alongside stars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.
Inter Miami (2023–Present)
In 2023, Messi made a surprising move to Major League Soccer (MLS), joining Inter Miami. His arrival revolutionized football in the U.S., boosting viewership and ticket sales. He led the team to victory in the Leagues Cup 2023, marking his first trophy outside of Europe.
International Career with Argentina
Messi’s journey with the Argentina national team had many ups and downs. After losing multiple finals, he finally secured:
- Copa América 2021 – Defeating Brazil to win Argentina’s first major title in 28 years.
- FIFA World Cup 2022 – Messi captained Argentina to victory in Qatar, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Net Worth and Endorsements
Messi is one of the highest-paid athletes in history. As of 2024, his estimated net worth is around $600 million. His earnings come from:
- Club Salaries – Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami contracts.
- Endorsements – Deals with Adidas, Pepsi, Mastercard, and more.
- Business Ventures – Owns hotels, brands, and investments in tech startups.
Personal Life and Family
Messi is married to Antonela Roccuzzo, his childhood sweetheart. They have three sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Despite his global fame, Messi remains a private family man, often sharing moments with his wife and children on social media.
As of March 2025, Lionel Messi continues to be a pivotal figure in international football, both on and off the pitch. Currently, he is under contract with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he has made a significant impact since his arrival in 2023.
Club Performance with Inter Miami
Messi’s tenure at Inter Miami has been marked by remarkable achievements. In the 2024 season, he led the team to secure the Supporters’ Shield, marking the club’s first major trophy. During that season, Messi set records for the most assists in a single MLS game (five) and the most goal contributions in a game (six) during a 6–2 victory over the New York Red Bulls. He concluded the regular season as Inter Miami’s all-time leading goal scorer, with 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches. Despite their regular-season success, Inter Miami was eliminated in the first round of the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs by Atlanta United FC.
International Career and Recent Developments
On the international front, Messi has continued to contribute to Argentina’s national team. In October 2024, he scored a hat-trick in a World Cup qualifying match against Bolivia, reinforcing his critical role in the team’s success. However, Messi has expressed a focus on his current well-being over long-term goals, stating, “I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy… I haven’t set a goal to reach the World Cup, but more so to live day-to-day and be well.
In recent World Cup qualifying matches, Argentina secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup. Notably, Messi was absent due to injury during decisive matches against Uruguay and Brazil. In his absence, players like Thiago Almada stepped up, with Almada delivering standout performances that contributed to Argentina’s victories, including a 4-1 win over Brazil.
Off-Field Ventures
Beyond his on-field endeavors, Messi has been active in business ventures. In June 2024, he launched Más+, a sports and energy drink brand, aiming to provide a flavorful and healthy hydration option. The drink debuted in Miami and expanded to major retailers like Publix and Walmart. Additionally, in September 2024, Messi announced the creation of a production company named 525 Rosario, focused on producing films, sporting events, and branded commercials for athletes worldwide.
Recent Controversies
Recently, Messi has been indirectly involved in a public dispute between his bodyguard, Yassine Chueko, and internet personality Logan Paul. The conflict arose from a legal battle over competing hydration drink brands, leading to a proposed boxing match challenge between Chueko and Paul. Paul accepted the challenge, adding a condition that if he wins, Chueko must drink Paul’s brand, PRIME.
In summary, Lionel Messi remains a central figure in football, demonstrating excellence on the field with Inter Miami and the Argentine national team, while also expanding his influence through various business ventures.
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, is currently playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) and captains the Argentina national team. Born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina, Messi has achieved unparalleled success throughout his career.
Career Highlights
- Barcelona (2000–2021): Messi spent 21 years at Barcelona, where he won 10 La Liga titles, 4 UEFA Champions Leagues, and numerous other trophies. He set records for most goals (672) and appearances (768) for the club.
- Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023): After leaving Barcelona due to financial constraints, Messi joined PSG and won two Ligue 1 titles.
- Inter Miami (2023–Present): Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 and has been instrumental in their success, including winning the Leagues Cup. He has scored 22 goals in 27 matches for the club.
International Achievements
Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 112 goals in 191 appearances. He led Argentina to victory in the:
- 2021 Copa América, ending a 28-year trophy drought.
- 2022 FIFA World Cup, earning his first world championship.
He also won gold at the 2008 Olympics and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005.
Records and Accolades
Messi holds numerous records, including:
- Most Ballon d’Or awards (8).
- Most goals in a calendar year (91).
- Most international goals by a South American male (112).
He has scored over 850 senior career goals and provided over 380 assists.
Future Plans
Messi has expressed his intention to finish his career with Inter Miami but remains open to playing beyond his current contract, which runs until 2025. Reports also suggest he may return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, before retiring.
Messi’s legacy extends beyond football; he is a global icon who has influenced sports culture worldwide.
What are Messi’s most memorable moments with Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s tenure at Inter Miami has been marked by numerous memorable moments since joining the club in 2023. Here are some of the standout highlights:
2023: Immediate Impact and Leagues Cup Glory
- Debut Free-Kick Winner Against Cruz Azul: Messi announced his arrival with a stunning stoppage-time free-kick goal in his debut, securing a 2-1 victory in the Leagues Cup opener.
- Leagues Cup Triumph: Messi led Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy by winning the 2023 Leagues Cup. He scored 10 goals during the tournament, including a spectacular strike in the final against Nashville SC, which Miami won in a dramatic penalty shootout.
- Dominance Against Atlanta United: In his first start for Miami, Messi scored twice and provided two assists in a commanding 4-0 win during the Leagues Cup.
- US Open Cup Heroics: Messi delivered a brilliant assist to help Miami reach the final, though they ultimately lost to Houston Dynamo.
2024: Record-Breaking Achievements
- Supporters’ Shield Victory: Messi helped Miami clinch their first-ever MLS Supporters’ Shield, breaking the league’s all-time points record with 74 points. He scored two goals, including a free-kick, in the decisive match against Columbus Crew.
- Hat-Trick as a Substitute: In the final regular-season game of 2024, Messi came off the bench to score three goals and provide an assist in just 10 minutes, leading Miami to a 6-2 win over New England Revolution.
- Return from Injury: After recovering from an ankle sprain, Messi scored two goals and assisted another in a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
Iconic Performances
- Arrowhead Stadium Rocket: Messi scored a stunning long-range goal in front of over 70,000 fans at Arrowhead Stadium during a match against Sporting Kansas City.
- Masterclass vs. LAFC: Messi provided two brilliant assists as Miami outclassed defending MLS Cup champions LAFC in one of their best league performances of 2023.
Individual Recognition
- Eighth Ballon d’Or Win: In late 2023, Messi celebrated winning his record-breaking eighth Ballon d’Or after an exceptional year with both Inter Miami and Argentina.
- These moments have not only solidified Messi’s legacy but also elevated Inter Miami’s status in Major League Soccer and global football.
